Why did the tarantula cross the road? I have no bloody idea but I wish it didn’t. We started the morning at 4:30am to go to a view point for sunrise. On the way we passed a Thai tarantula crossing the road. At first I presumed it was a crab like in the southern islands but on closer inspection it was indeed a spider. We zoomed away and made our way up to the viewpoint. We pet the kitties, ordered tea and watch the fog lift from the valley as the sun came up.

Next stop was the thermal springs. We had the bike a little longer and so we drove to the national park. The smell of sulfur filled our nostrils as we made our way to the swimable area. The water is a chilly 80°C on it’s exiting from the earth. There were pools of 40°C, 37°C, 34°C, and an ice plunge. We spend an hour going from hot to cold before we got peckish.

We found a cafe for lunch with tortoise friends. A tuna baguette later and it was time to return the bike. No issues there; full deposit back and off to the tour company for the caves.

We got grouped together with 5 Scottish women. The drive was an hour and a half and on the way favorite ice creams and chocolates were discussed. We overheard them trying to convince another English girl that ‘Haggis’ was an animal that roamed the highlands. We thought that was a bit mean until they disclosed that they had been tricked themselves by their teachers with one believing they even had tartan legs!

The cave experience was short but cool. We boarded a bamboo raft and floated into the main chamber. Unlike European caves where they divulge into the history and the different formations, this tour consisted of the guide pointing to various rocks and going ‘look like teeth… elephant… turtle… curtain… sky… cheeky monkey’. After our cave sightseeing we had to get back for our laundry.

A lovely dinner later and we are in bed ready for sleep. Tomorrow we travel to Chiang Rai!

-M